You are here

Home » David Rockefeller, Benefactor Of Acadia National Park, Passes At 101

David Rockefeller, Benefactor Of Acadia National Park, Passes At 101

Share

Published Date

March 22, 2017

David Rockefeller and the Rockefeller family were honored at the August 27, 2016, “Gift of Acadia” celebration for the Acadia National Park and National Park Service centennials/Friends of Acadia

David Rockefeller, who continued his family's long-running love affair with national parks, died the other day at 101. The last surviving grandchild of oil baron John D. Rockefeller, Mr. Rockefeller had a particular keenness for Acadia National Park, which his father, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., helped established in 1916.

“He loved this place dearly,” said Friends of Acadia President David MacDonald, adding that Mr. Rockefeller “was always willing to help us in our work to preserve and protect Acadia. Not only was he generous with his own support, but he was unfailing in his ability to encourage others to join him in doing the same. He was writing notes and hosting meetings and attending events right through his very last summer here during Acadia’s centennial year.”

The Rockefeller family has a long legacy with the national parks movement. Their philanthropy, descending from John D. Rockefeller, Jr., to his sons Laurance and David, reached beyond Acadia to Grand Teton, Great Smoky Mountains, Virgin Islands, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Shenandoah, and Yellowstone national parks, as well as Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.

Related Stories:

Acadia National Park Extending Reservation Periods For Campgrounds
Bar Harbor Voters Back Strict Limits On Cruise Ship Crowds

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by justinh on March 22, 2017 - 8:33am.

I'm impressed by Rockefeller's sensibility when overseeing the construction of the carriage roads of Acadia NP: winding a road around a tree to preserve it rather than uproot it, using native stones to construct bridges, etc.  Wonderful legacy.


Submitted by David Crowl on March 22, 2017 - 9:00am.

I visited Virgin Islands National Park in December and was impressed with their philanthropy. I hope the news of his passing will show the families great contributions to our National Parks and inspire others who can follow in their example.


Submitted by Jim Linville on March 22, 2017 - 12:21pm.

Was wasn't the Rockdefeller family also instrumental in the developement of Colonial Williamsburg?


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.